“A woman’s perfume tells more about her than her handwriting.” If Christian Dior's words are true, then securing your scent soul mate could prove more important than polishing your penmanship. In the beauty ad-glutted world we live in now, though, that process is trickier than we're led to believe, which is why the idea of creating a custom signature scent is so alluring. Whether you're a fragrance aficionado or an olfactory amateur, we rounded up five perfumeries and apothecaries where you can mix up your very own signature scent—keep reading to get a whiff.
1. Opus Oils at Jitterbug Perfume Parlor
Kedra Hart, who helped develop The Apothecary at Barneys NY's Beverly Hills location, is the woman behind Opus Oils, a by-appointment perfume atelier in the heart of Hollywood. From scent to packaging, Kedra helps customers and business individualize their signature fragrance.
1703 N Kenmore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
2. Nose Perfumery
Where else can you count on creating a breathtaking custom signature fragrance other than France? Step inside the Parisian perfumery to do just that and then some. Their database helps curate fragrances for you to try based on your preferences. If you can't make it to Paris, Nose's website offers a scent diagnosis that asks you to disclose your last three perfumes, then generates five samples you can order.
20 Rue Bachaumont, 75002 Paris, France
3. Sarah Horowitz Parfums
Experience in blending beautiful aromas is something Sarah Horowitz has tons of, what she's been working at since the late 1980’s as a freshman at Emerson College. The fragrance house's goal is to "distill the essence of who you are in a bottle." Once you cement your smell, the apothecary keeps it permanently on file for future orders in various products. An appointment with a Senior Perfumer costs $200, and one with Chief Perfumer Sarah Horowitz-Thran, $400.
822 Hampshire Rd #A, Westlake Village, CA 91361
4. Nova Perfumery
When you’re searching for a signature scent free of icky ingredients, like pthalates, Nova fragrance studio is your place. Julia Zangrilli, a self-taught perfumer with certification in raw materials from the Grasse Institute of Perfumery, is the person to consult if you're in the market for something unisex. Julia teaches a perfumery class including elements of creating a fragrance from base heart and top notes, to exploring olfactory families. She's not afraid to mix fragrance and fashion either– since being founded in 2012, NOVA has released 10 collaboration products with Opening Ceremony, Loup Charmant, Anna Sheffield, Madewell and New.Stand.
292 New York Ave, New York, NY 11216
5. KleanSpa
If you'd like to consult your BFFs before deciding on a new signature scent, hit up KleanSpa for a blending party. Collaborate with Jennifer Hardaway, the "Scentual Mixtress" as she likes to call herself, or one of her "minions." Mix, name, then walk away with your new signature blend in roll-on form. One-on-one classes are available too.
3414 1/2 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505
